description The Duke Overview
The Duke is a 2020 British comedy-drama film directed by Roger Michell, serving as his final feature film before his death. The screenplay by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman is based on the true story of Kempton Bunton, a working-class taxi driver who stole Francisco Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London in 1961. The film stars Jim Broadbent alongside Helen Mirren and Fionn Whitehead. It offers a comedic look at Bunton's trial and his unconventional demands regarding pensioners and television license fees.
help The Duke FAQ
Is The Duke based on a true story?
Yes, the 2020 film is based on the true story of the 1961 theft of Francisco Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington. The painting was stolen from the National Gallery in London by a 60-year-old cab driver.
Who stars in the movie The Duke?
The film stars Jim Broadbent as the thief Kempton Bunton and Helen Mirren as his wife, Dorothy. It was one of director Roger Michell's final films before his death in 2021.
Why was the Goya painting stolen in The Duke?
In the film and real history, Kempton Bunton stole the painting to protest the UK government forcing pensioners to pay for BBC television licenses. He demanded a ransom that would be used to pay the license fees for the elderly.
When was The Duke released in theaters?
The film premiered at the 2020 Venice Film Festival but faced severe delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was eventually released in theaters in early 2022.
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